NEWS
December 2025
Hurricane season [ended on] Thursday without a single mainland U.S. landfall for the first time in a decade.
Why it matters: That's welcome news for Louisiana, but doesn't mean future years will be equally calm — especially as climate change continues to warm the oceans, essentially creating hurricane fuel.
The big picture: Just because this year's Atlantic hurricanes steered clear of the continental U.S. doesn't mean it was a gentle season.
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Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica as a Cat 5 storm on Oct. 28.
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It was one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record and caused at least $10 billion in damage and nearly 100 known deaths in the Caribbean.
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Hurricanes Erin, Gabrielle and Humberto also reached Category 4 or higher in the Atlantic, though none hit the mainland U.S.
Meanwhile, New Orleans closes the book on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Health Care Employment Reinvestment Opportunity (H.E.R.O.)
Currently available funding for the H.E.R.O. program is approximately $6 million in funds to eligible healthcare programs or partners. A funding match (monies or in-kind contributions) by a healthcare industry partner equal to the grant award is required.
The grant term for this request cannot exceed 24 months beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028. While there is no award ceiling for this opportunity, grant awards will be based on impact on high-demand healthcare occupations and the purposes outlined above.
The funding opportunity is limited and offered on a competitive basis; therefore it is possible not all applicants will receive funding. We reserve the right to award less than the amount requested. Funding cannot be spent on the construction, maintenance, repair, or improvement of structures. Once funds are granted, payment terms will be cost reimbursement. Grantees will submit invoices, with activity or expenditure reports and appropriate supporting documentation for reimbursement.
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